Changing farming practices
The conversion process from present practices to more sustainable farming systems can be rather complex. It is not a simple task for small-scale farmers. Efforts to improve farming practices, therefore, need careful planning and implementation.
For that reason, it is crucial that we explore and analyse ongoing conversion processes globally, with the intention to learn from them and so be able to better support farmers in their transition processes.
LEISA Magazine • 22.2 • June 2006
Table of contents:
-
1 - 1
-
2 - 3
-
4 - 5written by ILEIA editorial teamThe conversion process from present practices to more sustainable farming systems can be rather complex. It is not a simple task for large-scale or industrialised farmers to move away from a farming pattern that depends heavily on external and chemical inputs, and put their trust in a farming system which relies instead on the optimal use of natural processes. A conversion to a more productive and a more sustainable agriculture is also not straightforward for small-scale farmers. They are often marginalised, lack secure access to land and the natural resources available are commonly degraded, quite often by their very own farming practices. They lack access to resources and information, which makes it difficult for them to invest in healthier farming systems. Efforts to improve farming practices, therefore, need careful planning and implementation. For that reason, it is crucial that we explore and analyse ongoing conversion processes globally, with the intention to learn from them and so be able to better support farmers in their transition processes
-
6 - 9written by Julia WrightIn the early 1990s, Cuba was plunged into crisis as it lost its major source of food, fuel and agricultural input supplies with the end of the Soviet bloc. Yet, within a decade, the country recovered sufficiently to double agricultural production, and maintain a consistent and equitable social food programme. This article explains how this was achieved, looking at how technologies based on local knowledge, skills and resources were developed when imported inputs could no longer be relied upon. However, a lack of agrochemicals and fuel does not necessarily mean that any replacement production system will be based on agroecological principles, and the author examines what conditions would be needed for agroecological production strategies to become more widespread.
-
10 - 10written by Fernando Funes MonzoteTo complement the previous article, this article looks in more detail at some of the technologies researched, developed and used during the transition period in Cuba. To increase sustainability in the long term, Cuba will have to make far-reaching changes towards regenerative agroecological systems, which go beyond input substitution. However, the strategy which Cuba followed provides an exceptional starting point for the development of an integrated, sustainable agriculture.
-
11 - 13written by Teresa Santiago Vera , Máximo GarcíaArte Natura, a small Mexican NGO working near the Guatemalan border, has been supporting some of the more than 10 000 farmers who have started growing coffee in organic production systems. The results of a study by Arte Natura indicated that for many farmers the decision to change towards organic production is primarily motivated by economic interests and that the transition process in this region does not follow a particular model or strategy. The article highlights that planning the transition process thoroughly is crucial for success.
-
14 - 15written by Henry Ngew Njakoi , Jackson Ntapi NkwentangIn Cameroon, small-scale intensive pig keeping is often promoted as a means to improve the livelihoods of farmers and to increase the availability of organic fertilizers. Heifer International uses an integrated approach that involves the farmers right from the start. By doing this, field staff have been able to understand the major constraints experienced by local communities, and work together with farmers to develop appropriate strategies.
-
16 - 19written by Sue PrinceDairy farming in the U.K. in the 1990s faced many challenges. Sue Prince explains the reasons why they decided to convert their conventional dairy farm to an organic milk production system and describes process this involved. The farm family needed help from outside in the form of information, advice and grants. They had to diversify to remain in business, and their belief in the importance of sustainability meant that they never considered returning to conventional farming.
-
20 - 21written by Petra Bakewell-StoneSince 2004, women farmers in the Mkuranga district, 40 km south of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have been working together to produce organic vegetables. At least six groups have been formed, leading to improvements in the productivity of various food crops, enabling their access to national and international markets, and diversifying their sources of food and income. More importantly, the organisation of local women’s groups has also created a powerful momentum in the drive for community development, providing a clear opportunity for improved and sustainable livelihoods in this region.
-
22 - 23written by Bert PeetersOver the last four years, the Cabiokid farm in Cabiao, the Philippines, has been developed following the priniciples of permaculture. Fields where mono-cropping and chemical farming techniques had been common for many years were transformed and now produce rice together with many other crops. The analysis of its transition process shows some key aspects, such as the importance of planning for immediate, short and long term changes, and the need to consider the size of the farm in relation to the energy and resources that will be needed. The article also looks at the difficulties and possibilities neighbouring farmers have for replicating this experience.
-
24 - 25written by Rick DubbeldamWithin a fast changing social and economic environment in the Lao PDR, the Upland Agriculture Development Centre - a local government institute - has been trying to improve the living conditions of the population while adjusting itself to the new working environment. This article looks at how institutes which assist in rural development need to change internally, for instance by listening to farmers, and modifying the top-down hierarchical approach often seen. The Upland Agriculture Development Centre has managed to transform itself, and as a result has gone on to implement and support successful sustainable agriculture initiatives in various villages.
-
26 - 27written by Nathan C. McClintockThis article describes the experiences of two farmer-entrepreneurs who began farming projects to promote the sustainability of agriculture in Senegal, and show the local population that farming can be profitable. El-Hadji Hane explains how he improved the poor soils on his land and has been supporting farmers groups to do the same for many years. Gora Ndiaye established a coconut palm nursery and promotes the integration of these trees in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Both are motivated by a belief in promoting a socially-equitable and environmentally sound agriculture.
-
28 - 29written by Gabriel Bianconi Fernandes , Sílvio Gomes de AlmeidaIn 1996, the Licheski family decided to abandon the use of agrochemicals and make the transition towards a production system based on agroecological principles. Their farm is now much more diversified, and the article describes the different methods used for maintaining and regenerating the agroecosystem’s fertility. With lower costs and adding value to their production, the family’s financial situation is not only stable, but significantly better. Their decision now shows clear economic benefits.
-
30 - 31written by Lieve VercauterenA case of swine fever within one kilometre of his diary farm made Dirk Mouton reflect on his farming techniques in his native Belgium. In 1998 he and his family decided to start producing organically, developing a complete farm plan with all the steps needed to change to an organic feed production scheme. By June 2000, the first organic milk was delivered to the local cooperative, receiving a higher price than conventionally produced milk. Production is stable, providing a good income for the Mouton family. Of equal importance to them, their farm contributes to a healthy environment: “I decided to become an ecological farmer because I feel that the environment should no longer be rated below economic importance”.
-
32 - 34written by Michael MortimoreDryland peoples have been contending with changes for as long as they can remember. This article shows how people in the African drylands have managed and adapted their farming practices and related activities in order to secure sustainable livelihoods. This includes managing environmental variability, increased efforts at conservation, and income diversification and marketing. These long term transitions suggest significant successes in ecosystem management, which provide important learning experiences in the search for viable pathways to development.
-
34 - 35written by Josphat K. WachiraA successful transition to a more sustainable production system is not straightforward, as is shown in this article. Certain conditions need to be in place, including access to information and training, as well as the belief and perseverance of all involved. The farmers in Subuku, Kenya have achieved this and are now selling organic products on a local market. Their story is told here.
-
36 - 37
-
38 - 38
-
39 - 39
-
40 - 40
Print this